Jim Crowley has announced his retirement from the saddle with immediate effect. Crowley retires having ridden 2,356 winners across either code. From the action over the weekend, Blue Bolt secured her second straight Group 1 win, confirming form with Precise in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville.
Here is today’s racing news round-up to kickstart the week.
Jim Crowley announces retirement
Former Champion Jockey Jim Crowley has announced his retirement from the saddle. Crowley was badly injured after a fall aboard Almeraq last October from which he has not sufficiently recovered to return to riding. The 48-year-old was a National Hunt jockey by trade to begin with, before switching to the flat in 2006. A lucrative career has followed, as he rode more than 2,100 winners on the level, including 29 Group 1s. His retirement leaves the number one role with Shadwell Estate up for grabs, with Almeraq among their big-name horses. (BBC)
Blue Bolt goes back-to-back at top level
The Group 1 Prix Rothschild produced a rematch between Blue Bolt and Precise that went the same way as at Newmarket recently. Blue Bolt once again proved too strong, with Andrew Balding’s filly backing up her Falmouth Stakes victory. Precise got closer this time under Ryan Moore, but ultimately failed by half-a-length. The Juddmonte-owned four-year-old will now head to the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown (Sky Sports)
Evening Saigon brings curtain down on Wathnan’s Glorious Goodwood
Saturday’s feature race at Glorious Goodwood went the way of Evening Saigon in the Stewards’ Cup. The 27-runner handicap looked a hugely competitive edition on paper. The 16/1 shot, trained by Hamad Al Jehani, was a game winner in the Wathnan Racing silks. The ownership enjoyed a spectacular week at the meeting, with Evening Saigon the feather in the cap. (At The Races)
Galway Festival: Dunum wins again after two jockeys stood down above alcohol limit
Dunum returned to winning ways at the Galway Festival for the second season in succession. The eight-year-old won the Mile Handicap for trainer Natalia Lupini at the meeting last year. He returned to the festival in glory once again this time around, winning Sunday’s feature off a 3lb higher mark. The gelding has now won four times at the venue in his career. (Irish Independent)
The final day was marred by two jockeys being stood down due to failed alcohol tests. Eoin Staples and Leigh Roche both returned amber readings, suggesting trace quantities of alcohol in their bloodstreams. As a result, both were breath tested, with each failing. They were subsequently stood down from their rides on the final day of the festival. (Racing Post)